It all started with placemats. Placemats that are so darn cute not creating a tablescape around them would have been reason enough to kick me out of blogland.
A few months ago at a church tag sale a friend bought placemats but ended up giving them to my friend Penny last week during our community ‘boot sale’. They have such vibrant, citrus inspired colors and I knew I wanted to highlight that so I asked Penny, a self-professed dish addict, if she had any dishes that would work, and she did.
These orange plates were perfect! I had the bamboo salad plates, bowls and cups which I had purchased recently for ‘BAM‘ (they’re lightweight and unbreakable) and I painted some wooden napkin rings orange to which I added some cute buttons from a button bouquet I made a while ago for just the right touch of whimsy.
Earlier in the day Penny and I scavenged the area for some wild flowers. We were asked to create some center pieces for a party Saturday night at the clubhouse (sorry, no pics), and we used what we had left over, along with some flowers from her garden, for a beautiful arrangement.
As you can see, Penny’s home has a lovely lake view! Just enough greenery to provide some privacy, but not enough to obscure the water view. I’ve shown a little more of her home in this post if you’d like to check it out.
Everything that both Penny and I had worked perfectly together…from the orange candlesticks and tray, to the patchwork pillow and even the simple glass bowl and vase which allowed their brightly colored fruit contents to be showcased.
I had so much fun creating this it made me wonder why I don’t do it more often. Penny’s lakefront home is the perfect venue for putting together pretty tables so I’ve talked her into doing one with me at least once for every season.
Stay tuned, ’cause this is gonna be good folks.
In other news…
Fisherman and I have been volunteering at Jacob’s Pillow this summer. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s basically to dance what Tanglewood is to music in our part of the world. In total we have seven concerts, the 4th one being later today. The deal is we get to see the concerts for free. One time I was the ‘bell ringer’. I stood outside, rang a bell and yelled ’10 minutes to showtime’, then did it twice more. That was my job. Not a bad deal, right? ;).
We’re taking the Grands on their first RV trip later this week for three nights. Not sure if I’ll have a post next Saturday or not, but I’ll have plenty to talk about when I return. 😉
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Julie says
Hi and Wow Doreen that is the prettiest table setting I’ve seen! It has such pretty colors and I love the flower arrangement. How fun to do that at your friends house. I can’t wait to see more pretty table settings. Have fun today and with the grandkids in the RV! Take care.
Julie xo
Doreen says
Thanks so much Julie! It really was a happy table :). Hope you’re enjoying your weekend. We certainly can’t complain about the weather!
Poppy says
How refreshing to see this bright and cheerful tablescape, complete with citrus hues and lakeside views, after reading countless job ads, and applying to only a few; truly, a sight for sore eyes! Those plaid topped napkin holders are cute as a button, the bouquet perfectly complementary, and the lake a beautiful backdrop to the entire scene!
Hope you took advantage of this divine setting, and dined on delicious treats!
Happy weekend, Doreen!
xoxo
Poppy
Doreen says
Happy weekend to you too Poppy! I’m keeping my fingers and toesies crossed for you.
xxx
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
I think that you needed this tablescape and yelling to bells to recuperate from all of your yard work : ) And that’s perfect…a variety 🙂
Doreen says
You are so right Deb! It was a nice change of pace to do something that didn’t involve heavy lifting. I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much.
Jemma says
Doreen,
Just what I needed to see! Our landscape, tablescape in North Texas is rather drab and bleak this time of the year, you provided me with some much needed inspiration and eye candy and I thank you ever so much!
Perfect mix of cheery hues.
Enjoy yourself with those darlings and your RV adventures!
xo
Jemma
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
The table setting is so pretty, Doreen, and the setting of the table alongside the lake is magnificent! Looking forward to seeing more throughout the seasons. Have a great time with the grands! Sounds like fun!
Cindy says
First off my friend have a great time with the grandkids. The table and the view is gorgeous.
Cindy
Linda Chapman says
Boy, that table just POPPED with color!!! I love the oranges and yellows and am just jumping up and down in anticipation of September 1st!!! 22 days and a wake up!
Have fun on your camping trip! We will be taking the quads down to the camper – which is on his san’s ranch – soon. Probably just one at a time……or as Harrison said ‘one by one!’
tammy j says
that table simply makes me happy!
citrus colors always do that for me this time of year especially.
they conjure up ease… and cool aqua waters… and laughter… and friends.
and you girls did this one beautifully.
so glad you’re lightening up on your boulder chores for a bit!
have fun! i know you will! xoxo♥
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Bright, colorful, vibrant and beautiful! All the things I love.
Brenda
Jane says
This is gorgeous, Doreen!! I love everything and I think you know I’m more a ‘bland’ person.,,this is inspiring! I need to get off my bum and do something pretty like this! Great relaxing view, too!
You have the best of both worlds living just 30 minutes from entertainment while keeping your privacy. Have a great time on your RV trip!
Jane x
Emily says
Doreen, this is such a lovely tablescape. You and Penny put together a beautiful setting for dining. The napkin rings are adorable, and such a clever idea. I love all the color and the flowers are simply gorgeous. Hope you have a wonderful weekend with the grands.
Hugs………
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Though I’m not a real orange lover……. I sure LOVE this! the combination of oranges and yellow with the lake in the background… and wow.. those flowers are gorgeous! It just screams ‘SUMMER’ to me! and I’m not ready for summer to end yet! How enjoyable would it be to sit down there with a big slice of sweet watermelon and a frosty glass of orange smoothie! Will await with anticipation hearing about your RV trip with the grandkids.
Cecilia says
The perfect summery tablescape! Love the citrusy hues. So pretty. Glad your friend is going to let you create in her lovely home again – what a beautiful view!
Enjoy your trip with the grands.
Hugs,
Cecilia
rue says
Penny’s view is amazing and so is that table setting. You outdid yourself, Doreen! It’s hard to compete with that view, so that means something.
Good luck on the RV trip 😉
xo,
rue
Sherry says
Oh what a pretty table. It is bright and lovely. What a fun end of summer party. I’d love you to come over and bring your table to my Fall party! Come and join the Fabulous Fall Linky Party!
Doreen says
Hi Sherry, Thanks so much for commenting and for the invite, but since it’s a Fall party I will wait until September since this table is definitely all about Summer!
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh my – just absolutely LOVE it!! So bright and so beautiful!! You definitely need to do this for each season – brilliant idea! This is so perfect summer with the colors and flowers. I love those napkin rings. And those placemats are just true perfection. Love hanging on to summer just a little longer.
Your Jacob’s pillow program sounds like a great deal!! Have fun!
And can’t wait to hear the stories about the Grands. I bet that will be interesting (Lol) – but fun!! xoxo
Sue says
Awe, a trip with the grandchildren, they will remember it forever. I absolutely love the colors of this tablescape. It is so energizing and I had to pin. The lime green and orange together is a personal favorite of mine and I noticed at once how the see-through bowl showed all the pretty colors of the fruit salad. I used to troll dinnerware sites for hours on end before I started blogging. and visiting a big store like Replacements someday is on my bucket list.
Jess says
Aww…I love everything about this! SO pretty!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Mimi says
Doreen, thankyou for your darling comment on my Vanilla Cake post. I have to say that this vivid orange and lime green were the favourites of my teen years, and I was immediately transported back to being 14 on seeing your gorgeous tablescape. What a happy memory! Love, Mimi xxx
Mimi says
Hi Doreen and thankyou for your darling comment on my Vanilla Cake post. I was so glad to see you. This tablescape transported me back to being 14, when lime green and vivid orange (along with purple) were my favourite colours! Mimi xxx
Jeneo says
Looks very beautiful with bright colors. Good combination of colors green and orange…
Kim says
Doreen, you are right, that is one beautiful view and the table colors pop against it! Gorgeous. It sounds as if you have been a busy lady enjoying summer with music, have fun with the grands. I have never been RVing and it is on my list!!!
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, your table is bright, cheerful, and just wonderful. I saw these yellow flowers recently while I was taking a walk on a trail, and didn’t know what they were. They’re so unique. I always admire your flower pictures, they are simply lovely. Have fun with the grandkids this week. My husband always wanted to travel the world in an RV. And thank you for your comment, I have to tell you that it made my day.
~Sheri
Patti says
This table is so vibrant, I love the color! You two make a great team. Your button napkin rings are just fabulous,
what a creative idea!
Hugs,
Patti
Cathy, My 1929 Charmer says
A pretty table setting, with lovely color. Even though your colors reminded me of Fall I’m not giving up summer since we had so little of it. Heck in the next few days I’m sharing my summer stuff…Minnie Drive’r is getting a new look and taking her out for our first trip in two weeks.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Wow…what a beautiful and cheerful table..and the setting is so beautiful on that gorgeous lake…yes, you should do more tablescapes as you have created some very beautiful ones…those napkin rings are adorable….and speaking of adorable…hope the grands enjoyed their RV trips…looking forward to the scoop on the trip!
linda says
What a fun table! I love all the bright citrus colors and the flowers are just beautiful. Yes, i am familiar with Jacob’s Pillow, my sister is a dancer and has danced there. Just realized we must live relatively close to each other. I am in NH. Have a great day! It’s another gorgeous day!!!
Linda
Mysewwhatblog
Doreen says
You’re probably right Linda! I’m just south of Jacobs Pillow, and New Hampshire is probably no more than a couple of hours away. How cool that your sister danced there!
Elaine says
That table setting is stunning it’s a perfect summer maybe fall table. I love orange and those flowers are the perfect touch. Well done! I wanna come to that party. LOL
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
The table is adorable, so bright and FUN! Love the napkin rings. The view is TDF!!! I would LOVE to have a place on water. What a DREAM!!! Have a beautiful weekend!!!
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Aaaah, you are hired to set my table any time! Your friend has such a cozy view from her porch, what a lucky girl. Those non-breakable plates, cups, glasses, etc.. are so useful for porch, camping and RVing tableware. Whatever did they do before the invention??
Kelly says
what a festive and pretty tablescape! I love the napkins rings that you used and how every place setting has it’s own bright color. It’s like you pulled all of your colors directly from that fruit salad. who wouldn’t love eating outside with that view too?!
Dewena says
You both did a great job! The flower arrangement is so pretty and the colors you chose for everything on the table are lovely with it. And of course a meal lakeside would be so nice. Everything tastes better by the water.
Have fun with the grandkids!
handmade by amalia says
The table looks so bright and colorful, perfect for summer.
Amalia
xo
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai says
What a gorgeous tablescape! LOVE the bright cheery colors. Please come share your blog posts over at the Home Matters Linky Party! We have a VERY SPECIAL PARTY planned this week, and we’d love to have you for a visit. The Door is OPEN. http://lifewithlorelai.com/2015/08/13/home-matters-linky-party-50/ 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai